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More Middle Grade Reads

As a promise to myself to read more middle grade books, as they ARE my number one reference clients, I have upped the amount of books I usually read. So far, so good. I am trying to read a wide spread of genres, but so far I have mostly read fiction. Really, really good fiction....

From Goodreads:A magical breadbox that delivers whatever you wish for—as long as it fits inside? It's too good to be true! Twelve-year-old Rebecca is struggling with her parents' separation, as well as a sudden move to her Gran's house in another state. For a while, the magic bread box, discovered in the attic, makes life away from home a little easier. Then suddenly it starts to make things much, much more difficult, and Rebecca is forced to decide not just where, but who she really wants to be. Laurel Snyder's most thought-provoking book yet

You know what? Yay to a recap that does not give away too much of the story!

I really enjoyed this, and I don't think there is enough fiction out there for children of parents who are considering divorce. Snyder nailed the mixed feelings Rebecca goes through at this strange time in her life (ex. she loves spending time with Gran, misses her father like crazy). I loved the magic of the box, and that magic is not always a quick fix for the bigger problems in life. I just loved Gran! I'm not sure I really understood what was up with the dad, depression maybe?Snyder's writing is wonderful and thoughtful. I did think the symbolism of the gulls was a touch heavy handed-but they made great decoration for the first pages of the chapters. I will put this into the hands of kids who want some contemp./realistic fiction with a "hint" of magical realism. I heard this may be a Newberry contender, and that sounds about right to me.

Comments

Walden Pond Press puts out a lot of great reads for boys especially for middle graders. Short stories like the Guys Read Funny Business, and the Fourth Stall series. They also put out the beautiful Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu. You might want to hit them up on their Facebook page for some of their new releases. Neversink is a new release coming out this spring.

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